What does it mean to rob Peter to pay Paul?

Response

The expression “to rob Peter to pay Paul” means “to take something from one party and give it to another, especially if the two are closely associated.” Similar expressions include “to borrow from Peter to pay Paul” or “to unclothe Peter to clothe Paul.” This phrase is commonly used to describe the transfer of a financial debt from one party to another.

The origin of the phrase “to rob Peter to pay Paul” is unclear, but according to English folklore, it was popularized in response to an event in Westminster, England, in the 1500s AD. On December 17, 1550, Westminster Abbey was officially designated a cathedral by the Anglican Church, granting it a unique and privileged status. However, ten years later, the diocese of Westminster was dissolved, and the abbey became part of the diocese of London. Subsequently, many of the abbey’s assets were seized and redirected to St. Paul’s Cathedral for repairs. Due to Westminster Abbey’s original dedication to Saint Peter, it was said that the Anglican Church had “robbed Peter to pay Paul.”

It is also possible that the phrase “to rob Peter to pay Paul” developed more organically over time rather than in response to a specific event. Both Peter and Paul begin with the letter P, creating natural alliteration. Additionally, both Peter and Paul were apostles and significant figures in the early church. In more traditional churches, Peter and Paul share the same feast day (June 29).

The phrase “to rob Peter to pay Paul” is not found in the Bible. The Bible does recount a time when Peter and Paul had a disagreement (Galatians 2:11-21). Peter had started to distance himself from Gentile believers in the presence of legalistic Jews. Paul criticized Peter’s actions and denounced his hypocrisy for distorting the gospel message of unity. However, these events do not reflect the origin of the phrase.The meaning of the phrase “to rob Peter to pay Paul” as most people use it today. There is no biblical account of anyone robbing Peter to give to Paul, whether it is something financial, material, or anything else.